Obama prepares to accept...McCain ponders running mate...Gustavo enroute

DENVER (AP) A spokeswoman for Barack Obama's campaign says the Democratic presidential nominee's acceptance speech tonight will be what she calls "a very direct conversation" with the American people. Aides say the Illinois senator will draw contrasts with John McCain and try to dispel any concerns about his ability to govern.

DENVER (AP) We could learn as early as tomorrow who John McCain's running mate will be. The presumptive Republican nominee told KDKA radio in Pittsburgh yesterday that he had nothing to announce because he hadn't "decided yet."


NEW ORLEANS (AP) Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff has meetings scheduled today in Louisiana with Governor Bobby Jindal (JIN'-dul) and New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin. Tropical Storm Gustav, which is churning through the Caribbean with near-hurricane force winds, is expected in the Gulf Coast region early next week.

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) Casey Anthony could find herself back in a Florida jail. The bounty hunter who helped free the mother of missing 3-year-old Caylee Anthony wants his associates to withdraw the woman's $500,000 bail. Anthony was supposed to help find her daughter while she was out, but bounty hunter Leonard Padilla says she hasn't cooperated with authorities.

TORONTO (AP) Air Canada's regional carrier Jazz is removing life vests from all its planes to save weight and fuel. A spokeswoman says regulations allow planes that remain within 50 miles of shore to use floatation devices instead of life vests.

While the carrier does not fly over the ocean, its planes do fly over the Great Lakes and along the Eastern seaboard.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 08-28-08 1347CDT | save this article / add to your favorites list